Author: Mati Roy | Creation: 2020-03-19 | Updated: 2020-06-09 | Version: English clean version | Other versions: original version, French clean version

If you know older people, now might be a good time to talk to them about cryonics.

I will present the main objections I hear from my friends to justify not talking about it to their (grand)-parents (and/or elderly friends) as well as my answers. My answers are not generalized to everyone, but I do think they are applicable to many. I know it’s difficult to broach this subject: it can be embarrassing and harm your image. But, generally, I think these are trivialities in the face of the issue. Please allow me to challenge your view 🙂

Objection 1) Surely they will not want to register

My answer: This excuse bothers me. It is often the same people who say that elderly people do not adapt quickly enough. It doesn’t help if we stop sharing this kind of information with them. I find it condescending to make such an important decision on their behalf. And even if they don’t register, at least they will have been in control of their destiny.

Objection 2) I want to work less / buy more things with their inheritance

My answer: They love you enough to bequeath their wealth to you, so it seems to me like the least you could do in return is to give them this chance for a “second” life.

Objection 3) It will harm my relationship with them

My answer: You can bring it up indirectly; like, “Hey, I read that some people froze their bodies when they died hoping to be reanimated in the future.” Stay cooperative and support their choice. Aim to inform, not persuade. Consider starting with those who are most open to new ideas.

Objection 4) It is too improbable that cryonics will work

My answer: They potentially have not many years left. Let them decide if they prefer to be “buried with their money” or take this chance.

Objection 5) I don’t think it’s good for humanity

My answer: The more people register for cryonics, the more affordable cryonics will become for everyone because of economies of scale (see: Cryonics as Charity). There are more effective ways of being selfless than letting your (grand)-parents die.

Also more generally, as I often say: Good friends tell each other about cryonics.

The safest would be to move near a cryonics facility to reduce response delay, and to use assisted suicide before a neurodegenerative disease destroys their brain; but that’s a much more delicate topic.